LONDON: McLaren will leave the all-electric Formula E championship at the end of the 2024-25 season to focus on Formula One, IndyCar and a new hypercar project from 2027 in the World Endurance Championship.
The reigning Formula One constructors champions said in a statement on Friday that the decision, after three seasons in Formula E with a team racing under the McLaren brand, followed a strategic review of activities.
“The time is right to explore other opportunities that more closely align with McLaren Racing’s overall strategic direction — including our 2027 entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship,” said McLaren CEO Zak Brown.
“For now, we are focused on setting this great team up for future success by working toward securing a new owner.”
A Formula E spokesperson raised the possibility of the partnership continuing through next year.
“We recognize that the commercial landscape in motorsport is dynamic and often subject to change,” the spokesperson added. “Despite this development, the team... is already engaged in positive discussions with potential partners and investors.
“We are confident the team will remain a strong presence in the championship, operating under a new identity if required.”
McLaren took over the British-based team from Mercedes when the German carmaker left at the end of 2022 to focus on Formula One.
The team, sponsored by Saudi Arabia’s NEOM, was founded in 2019 and ran separately, under the leadership of Ian James, to McLaren’s Formula One and IndyCar outfits. It is third overall after five rounds.
Formula E puts its global fan base at nearly 400 million.
McLaren to exit Formula E at end of the season
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McLaren to exit Formula E at end of the season
- The reigning Formula One constructors champions said in a statement on Friday that the decision, after three seasons in Formula E with a team racing under the McLaren brand
Benzema’s goal propels Al-Ittihad to victory in Asian Champions League
- The victory moved Al-Ittihad to sixth place in the 12-team Western group
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: Karim Benzema’s second-half strike was enough to give Al-Ittihad a 1-0 win over Nasaf Qarshi of Uzbekistan on Tuesday, placing the Saudi title holders within sight of the Asian Champions League Elite knockout round.
The French striker volleyed home from close range at the far post after 57 minutes, meeting a cross from Portuguese winger Roger Fernandes.
The victory moved Al-Ittihad to sixth place in the 12-team Western group. With the top eight from the East and West advancing to the round of 16, a win against Qatar’s Al-Gharafa in the next match would clinch advancement for the two-time champion.
Elsewhere, Roberto Mancini delivered Al-Sadd’s first win in dramatic fashion.
Trailing 2-1 to Al-Ahli Dubai after 90 minutes, the Qatar club scored three goals in stoppage time to win 4-2, with Spanish striker Rafa Mujica completing his hat trick, and keep faint hopes of advancing alive.
